Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 204 (Friday, October 21, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Number 204 (Friday, October 21, 2016)
Proposed Rules
Pages 72748-72751
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov
FR Doc No: 2016-23787
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Docket No. FAA-2015-7526; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-217-AD
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening of comment period.
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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This action revises the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by requiring an additional action for sealant application on some nuts and bolts on the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) duct assembly and adding a grace period to the compliance time. We are proposing this SNPRM to detect and correct corroded circlips. Such corrosion could lead to failure of the circlips and consequent movement of the FVP and result in a reduction of the flame protector capability of the FVP cartridge. Such a condition could result in damage to the airplane in case of lightning impact or fire on the ground. Since the additional actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.
DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2015 (80 FR 79742), is reopened.
We must receive comments on this SNPRM by December 5, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this SNPRM, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
7526; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-7526; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-217-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on December 23, 2015 (80 FR 79742) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was prompted by the discovery of corroded circlips in FVPs having a certain part number. The NPRM proposed to require an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the FVP, and replacement if necessary.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since we issued the NPRM, Airbus has issued revised service information to include an additional action to apply sealant on nuts and bolts of the NACA duct assembly. Airplanes on which the installation in the original service information was done would be required to do this additional action. In addition, we determined that a grace period is needed so operators have sufficient time to comply with the requirements in this proposed AD.
In addition, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) superseded EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0234R1, dated December 11, 2014 (which was referred to in the NPRM), and issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0114, dated June 15, 2016; corrected June 23, 2016; which retains the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0234R1 and includes an additional action.
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued Airworthiness Directive 2016-0114, dated June 15, 2016; corrected June 23, 2016 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
On each aeroplane wing, a NACA duct assembly is installed, including a Fuel Vent Protector (FVP) which is used as flame arrestor. This FVP is maintained in its NACA duct assembly by a circlip (also known as C-clip). Following a wing water pressure test, the FVP is removed and dried with heat. During an inspection after this test, several circlips were reported to be discoloured. Investigation revealed that a batch of circlips fitted on some FVP Part Number (P/N) 786073-1-0 have an increased risk of
Page 72749
corrosion due to a manufacturing quality issue.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to circlip failure and consequent FVP movement, reducing the flame protector capability of the FVP cartridge, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane in case of lightning impact or fire on ground.
Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) A320-28-1221, providing instructions for identification by serial number (s/n) and removal from service of the affected FVP P/N 786073-1-0, and EASA issued AD 2014-0234, later revised, to require those actions and to implement installation requirements for the FVP.
After that EASA AD was issued, one step in the FVP re-
installation instructions was identified as missing. Consequently, Airbus revised SB A320-28-1221 to provide instructions for sealant installation on some nuts and bolts on the NACA duct assembly.
For the reasons described above, this EASA AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0234R1, which is superseded, and requires additional work for aeroplanes already modified in accordance with Airbus SB A320-28-1221 original issue or Revision 01.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
7526.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 02, dated January 11, 2016. The service information describes procedures for inspecting the FVP to determine the part number and serial number, replacing any affected FVP, and applying sealant to the nuts and bolts of the FVP. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this proposed AD. We considered the comments received.
Request To Refer to Revised Service Information
Airbus requested that the service information referred to in the NPRM be revised. Since the NPRM was published, Airbus issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 02, dated January 11, 2016, which includes an additional action (i.e., the application of sealant to the nuts and bolts of a FVP after installation). The additional action was not included in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 01, dated June 23, 2015, which was referred to as the appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the required actions proposed in the NPRM.
We agree with the commenter's request to refer to the revised service information in this SNPRM. We have revised paragraphs (g) and (i) of this proposed AD to refer to the revised service information, Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 02, dated January 11, 2016.
Request To Extend the Compliance Time
American Airlines (AAL) requested that the compliance time in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD be changed from ``at the earliest of the times'' to ``at the latest of the times,'' or be simplified to ``within 6 months after the effective date.'' AAL stated that its 4 affected airplanes would be out of compliance when the NPRM became a final rule because the airplanes have already accumulated approximately 9,000 flight hours and 4,000 flight cycles, and have been in service for 34 months.
We partially agree with the commenter's request. We revised paragraph (h) of this proposed AD to include a grace period of 30 days from the effective date of the AD to accomplish the required actions. In regard to the compliance times in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD, we do not agree to change ``at the earliest of the times'' to ``at the latest of the times,'' or to simplify the compliance time to ``within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.'' In developing an appropriate compliance time, we considered the safety implications and the time necessary to do the inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the FVP, and any necessary replacements. In light of these items, we have determined that the compliance times specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this proposed AD are appropriate. However, under the provisions of paragraph (k)(1) of this proposed AD, we will consider requests for approval of an extension of the compliance time if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the extension would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this AD regarding this issue.
Request To Revise Costs of Compliance
AAL requested that the ``Costs of Compliance'' section of the NPRM be revised to increase the number of work-hours from 5 to 12. AAL stated that there are multiple positions on each airplane that need to be inspected and may need corrective actions.
We agree with the commenter's request. Based on the reason provided by the commenter, and the new additional action included in this SNPRM, we have revised the ``Costs of Compliance'' section to increase the work-hours from 5 to 19.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This SNPRM
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs.
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on this SNPRM.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this SNPRM affects 7 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 19 work-hours per product to comply with the new basic requirements of this SNPRM. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $25,640 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this SNPRM on U.S. operators to be $190,785, or $27,255 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Page 72750
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 Amended
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-7526; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
217-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 5, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the discovery of corroded circlips in fuel vent protectors (FVP) having a certain part number. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corroded circlips. Such corrosion could lead to failure of the circlips and consequent movement of the FVP and result in a reduction of the flame protector capability of the FVP cartridge, which could result in damage to the airplane in case of lightning impact or fire on the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Inspection of FVP and Corrective Action
For airplanes having a manufacturer serial number specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD: At the time specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, do an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of the FVP. If the FVP has part number (P/
N) 786073-1-0 with a serial number that is specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, and the FVP is not marked ``Amdt B,'' replace the FVP with a serviceable part, at the time specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 02, dated January 11, 2016. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of the FVP can be conclusively determined from that review.
Figure 1 to Paragraphs (g) and (i) of This AD--Affected Airplane
Manufacturer Serial Numbers
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5438
5441
5444
5445
5447
5457
5459
5460
5461
5463
5464
5469
5473 through 5478 inclusive
5481
5482
5483
5485 through 5488 inclusive
5490 through 5493 inclusive
5495 through 5505 inclusive
5507 through 5515 inclusive
5517
5518
5520 through 5527 inclusive
5530
5536
5539
5541
5544
5547
5551
5553
5556
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Figure 2 to Paragraphs (g) and (i) of This AD--Affected Serial Numbers for Part Number 786073-1-0
Manufactured during August 2012
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Serial number 786073IN0xxxx (xxxx indicates the last four digits)
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3752 3821 3868 3911 3966 4010
3753 3826 3871 3914 3967 4011
3754 3827 3874 3922 3969 4013
3755 3829 3877 3925 3971 4017
3756 3830 3878 3927 3972 4019
3757 3833 3882 3930 3977 4023
3758 3834 3893 3937 3978 4024
3759 3836 3897 3938 3980 4025
3760 3839 3898 3940 3981 4026
3761 3840 3899 3945 3982 4039
3787 3848 3900 3946 3983 4048
3788 3849 3901 3947 3984 4065
3810 3850 3904 3948 3985 4066
3812 3851 3905 3951 3986 4068
3814 3853 3906 3961 3987 4070
3817 3859 3907 3962 3996 4184
3819 3860 3908 3964 3997 4187
3820 3867 3910 3965 4009 None
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(h) Compliance Times for the Requirements of Paragraph (g) of This AD
Do the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD at the earliest of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(1) Before the accumulation of 5,000 total flight cycles after the date of manufacture of the airplane.
(2) Before the accumulation of 7,500 total flight hours after the date of manufacture of the airplane.
(3) Within 30 months after the date of manufacture of the airplane.
(i) Exclusion From Actions Required by Paragraph (g) of This AD
An airplane that does not have a manufacturer serial number specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD is excluded from the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided that, a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0 with a serial number specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD has not been installed on that airplane after July 2012. If a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0 with a serial number specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD is installed, or the serial number cannot be identified: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the FVP with a serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 02, dated January 11, 2016. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if it can be conclusively determined from that review that a FVP having a serial number specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD has not been installed on that airplane after July 2012.
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0 and a serial number listed in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD may be installed on any airplane, provided the FVP is marked with ``Amdt B.''
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0114, dated June 15, 2016; corrected June 23, 2016; for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-7526.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 26, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
FR Doc. 2016-23787 Filed 10-20-16; 8:45 am
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
